- On today's show Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick talks aboiut hurricane preparedness and economic development in the county. Lee and Terri of American Air Systems have tips to stay cool this summer, and Kimberly Pieper with First Financial Bank has the latest mortgage information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, hello Southeast Texas. I'm so glad you've joined us
today for a beautiful Saturday. We have a power packed hour.
You are not going to want to miss any of it.
Today with us is Jefferson County Judge Jeff Brannick, and
we are excited to hear from him about preparation for
hurricane season. And it's upon us, Judge, hitn't it.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
It's here, it's here, it's here, And of course it
could happen any day, but typically we our busiest times
have been August and September.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Right, But I would imagine right now is a time
that you guys have even started planning and preparing for,
or you may already be ready for what may happen
or may not happen here in Southeast Texas.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Every year we do pre disaster contracting to make sure
that in the event we're hit, we have contracts in
place to bring in generators and everything we need to
do to adequately respond to and recover from a natural disaster. Yeah,
we also throughout the year and do exercise. As a
(01:06):
matter of fact, we have a mock exercise coming up
this week that's going to simulate high water rescues and
like we had experiences with in Harvey and Amelda. And
we also have pre disaster hazard mitigation plan which are this,
(01:29):
you know, a foot thick that we work on year
round to make sure that we've checked all the boxes
in inadequately prepared because the purpose of the office is
to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
One of the things that I think we are so
thankful for is that you have been in this position
through and managed to beautifully navigate for all of us
lots of disasters, and so the experience that you bring
to Southeast Texas for all of these things is so
vast because you've seen a lot.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Not the kind of experience that you want for your constituents.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
No, but it's great for us to have someone who
knows so.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Been very fortunate the last couple of years with no
events happening, but it always pays to be prepared. We
never know what's going to happen. You know. Although hurricane
track forecasting has gotten much much better over the last
twenty years since I went to the county, their area
of miss is much narrower than it was twenty years ago,
(02:40):
but it's still right at ninety mile cone of uncertainty
which it leads to or actually ninety miles either way.
So it's seventy two hours before tropical storm force winds
reached the coast, we still got a one hundred and
eighty mile cone of uns which makes it really difficult
(03:01):
because that's when you need to be making decisions about evacuations.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Right, and those decisions are huge because they impact. While
they impact all of us who live in Southeast Texas,
the bigger impact is to like nursing facilities and retirement
homes and those that it will take quite a bit
of effort and time to get those residents moved from
(03:28):
our area to somewhere else. So I would imagine that
the challenge and the thought process and going into making
that decision can be very very.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Tough, and experience has taught me had not made it easier.
It's made it tougher because experience has taught me that
many of those elderly people in those nursing homes when
they are evacuated, cannot handle the stress and many of
them die. Right, And it's extremely sad situation. It's very
(04:02):
much a double edged sward because I don't do a
mandatory evacuation order, and it comes and our people leave
and evacuate without an order, they normally can't take advantage
of the additional living expense claims on their home insurance
(04:24):
policies during their absence. So there are difficulties both ways
from insurance perspective and from a life perspective. But it's
going to have to be a pretty significant storm for
me to do a county wide evacuation order just because
(04:46):
of the not really the possibility, more the probability that
they're going to be this associated with the evacuation.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Right, So in preparing for all of that, I know
that you probably have some points that you think each
one of us things that we should be doing in
our own home. What are some of the things that
you would recommend that we have prepared in the event
of that hurricane event.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
Well, obviously it's always important that people keep their insurance
coverages up to date. And yeah, you know, your home
insurance policy without a writer for wind coverage doesn't cover wind,
you know, it just covers fire and bandalism and things
like that, So you have to have windstorm insurance traditional
(05:40):
home insurance, and it also does not cover floods, which
is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
So good point for that right now is that's usually
a thirty day wait. So if you don't have flood
insurance making that decision to try to get that now,
we you and I were talking, or you said earlier.
You know, typically storms come here later in the season,
you know, and not so much in June, so June
(06:11):
or July. So if we are able to put a
house under a flood insurance policy, you know, before something comes,
that's definitely helpful. So that thirty day window gives you
an opportunity to go and do that.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Now, same way with windstorm once you know, there are
people that call up once the storm's entered the golf
and they will not mind when storm once right the
storms entered the golf, So it's important to have that
coverage beforehand if it's something that you desire to have.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Yeah, now we've talked about all this as preparation, and
of course we're going to pray that we don't get
a storm, and I think we've had our fair share,
so you know, we shouldn't get anymore, but we want
to be prepared if we do. But I'd like to
go ahead and shift over to some more exciting news there.
We have so many things coming to Southeast Texas. I mean,
(07:00):
it is amazing the amount of industry and money that's
relocating to our area. And I know you could go
on for a very long time about all of them.
But if you had to say a few things that
you're the most excited about, what would be some of
the things that you're looking forward to.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Two things that probably excite me the most. One on
the economic development front is that you know, in the
last couple of years, we look back at our economic
development agreements and it entered into over fifty five billion
dollars worth of agreements. Right now, we have two major
LNG projects under construction, another petrochemical plant fixing the start
(07:42):
a major natural gas liquids plant down in Needling with
energy transfer partners. We have the OCI Methanol and the
Lendy hydrogen plant that are being built down there and
are very visible on the Highway sixty nine to Twin
City corridor. And we're talking to a lot of people
(08:05):
about other very major projects. So I do not see
a real slow down in the economic development and job
creation area for a very long time.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
And that benefit to Southeast Texas is a trickle down effect.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Yes. And the wonderful thing is and this is actually
a third thing I'm excited about, is that our local
educational institutions Lamar University, l i T or State College
Port Author in Orange have been wonderful in responding with
programs to the changes that are happening in the area industry.
(08:46):
And you know, we got a new ports program because
we got the third largest port in the United States
in Jefferson County, and at new Ports program at Lamar.
We've got lots of programs that and the Marshday College,
Fort Author and Orange that are geared towards training people
in the areas of everything from instrument technicians to machinists
(09:09):
to you know, computer technologists and so forth or whatever
the proper name is for these it people people that
think differently than me. And I guess the third thing
I'm really excited about is coastal restoration. You know, we've
been the recipients from the BP of Build of over
(09:29):
two hundred million dollars in funding that we've used to
restore our coach. We're now working on an agreement which
we think will be completed in July. With a major
local industrial partner that's going to fund thirty four miles
of living shorelines. We're partnering. I've been talking for the
(09:50):
last couple of years with Flash's Agricultural Marine Research Institute
about oyster seeding to improve you know, living shoreline are
great carbon sequestration tools, to the extent that there are
people that believe that that's something that's important. But I
(10:14):
do believe coastal protection, storm surge protection, protection of our
fishery resources. Since we have the second most valuable seafood
catch on the Texas Golf Coast, those are all important,
which is why I want to protect our coast and
protect us from storm surge. And so these are all
(10:35):
new projects. We've also got another twenty million dollars coming
from the Texas General Land Office for coastal protection. We've
got about a twenty million dollars federal appropriation to US
Fish and Wildlife to complete the beach dune system from
Sarem Park to Texas Point on federal land. And those
(10:56):
are really exciting things.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Yeah, and what I love about all of this, Judge,
is that when we hear the news nationally, it's a
lot of doom and gloom and big question marks, and
yet here in Southeast Texas, you guys have been working
so hard to continue to generate additional resources and people
coming to our area and your economic development that's drawing
(11:21):
them in. I mean, fifty five billion with a bee
that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
About two weeks ago, the American Shores and Beaches Conservation Association,
the biggest one in the United States, gave Iron McFadden
Coastal Beachdune Restoration Project the top award the United States.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
Amazing. So lots of positive things going on in Southeast Texas.
I'm so thankful that you came on the show today
to talk about some of those anything else you want
to make sure that the listeners know about well.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
The county obviously in July, will be going into budget
hearings second week in July. I do continue to be
proud of the fact that out of the two hundred
fifty four counties in Texas, we have the eighth lowest
tax rate, and one of the reasons is because obviously
(12:22):
we have a lot of industry. Taxes for homeowners are
still obviously something they don't appreciate paying. And the legislature
of this session increased the homestead exemption again, and for
those over sixty five who have the over sixty five exemption,
that's going to be up to two hundred thousand dollars.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
I'm almost there.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I think one hundred and forty for under sixty five,
it's what it was increased to. That's assuming that we
don't have any vetos of any of these bills, which
we won't know until June twenty second. But I can't
imagine the governor vetoing that bill when that was one
of his legislative priorities in advance of the session. But
(13:14):
we will continue to work to keep the tax raid
as low as we can. The other day, speaking at
oh My Chamber, I went through a list of how
our expenses at the county have increased pretty dramatically over
the last six years, just like consumers have seen in
(13:34):
their household prices increase at a geometrical rate. And so
we're trying to get a hold of those things. We're
trying to use novel ways of dealing with the issues,
in some cases using leases and other creative financing, and
in the future maybe a private public partnership. So I
(14:01):
anticipate that the Commission's Court will be one mind pretty
much on ninety nine percent of the issues that we
go through budget hearing.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Well, you know, none of us enjoy paying a lot
of taxes, but we all enjoy what those benefits are
from our taxes, and sometimes we forget about those, you know,
we just think about what we pay and not the
benefit that we get from what we pay. And we
have such great benefits here in South Eastexas, so you know,
it's trying to balance that. You know, we all want
(14:31):
to just complain and fuss, but those taxes go to
things that promote our area, that bring that fifty five
billion dollars worth of industry that helps to you know,
conserve and preserve our coastlines. So you know, it is
a balance that you have to consider.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
It really is. And I also said this the other
day that consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity
to serve as county judge during a time when we've
seen such a dramatic expansion in the economy. I really
hadn't seen anything like this in one hundred and twenty years,
(15:10):
and so it's been pretty phenomenal. And it's one of
those situations where if you can't find a job in
this economy, either you don't want one or you just
really don't have any training at all and you need
to go to lt Or Lamar and get it.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Yeah, go talk to doctor Valentine. He can get you
hooked up. He's such a great guy. Well, Judge, it
has been really an honor. We do appreciate all you do.
I know you put your heart and soul into this
job and give it everything that you have, and I
know that your heart is to do what is good
and right for all in Southeast Texas. So thank you.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate the
opportunity to be here.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Yeah. Well, when we come back, we are going to
visit with Lee and Terry Potter with American Airs Systems.
We're going to talk a little bit about how do
you manage this heat? What do you need to do
to prepare your air conditioning for the heat that is
coming even in the next couple of months. So don't
go away. This is the Dana Simmons Show. Welcome back.
This is Dana Simmons. I'm so glad you joined us today.
(16:17):
We just heard from Judge Jeff Brannett giving us all
the incredible things that are going on in Southeast Texas
and the growth in the economic development that's coming to
our area. So if you didn't get a chance to
listen to that, the podcast will be on the iHeart
app this week, so go back and take a listen.
We also have with us Lee and Terry Potter, and
(16:39):
I'm sure you've all noticed it's gotten a little hot
out there, just a little, just a little. And one
of the things that you guys do is HVAC systems
and that's just one so we're going to talk about
that first, So talk a little bit about what people
need to do to prepare their systems for this heat.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
Well, first things first is, like everything else, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
You have to make sure that you keep everything these
machines in working order. Everybody's gotten really good about taking
their cars and changing the oil at every five thousand miles.
They just do it without even thinking. But then they
let their air conditioner go for three years and not
(17:21):
have any maintenance on it. And you've got people mowing
and discharging grass into the outdoor condenser. You've got condensate
drains that are mudding up and having filth and grime
and stopping up drains and things of that nature. And
then these all do have mechanical parts in that you've
got to pay attention to. And so first things first,
(17:42):
maintenance that machine. Have a professional come out, look at it,
run through it. Because if you're just a little bit
low on refrigerant, it's what you would have what we
call an unseen expense. It's keeping your house cool but
not as efficiently as it should, so your utility bills
a little higher. The systems had to run a little
(18:04):
bit longer. The system is running at a higher temperature internally,
which could cause damage to it and wear out the life.
So just step by step by step that just have
that maintenance done by a professional, make sure everything is good.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
And you guys do that twice a year. You can
have a plan, so talk talk about that.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Yes, yep, And it's really nice because we've seen a
rise in our customers investing in these maintenance plans because
they're they're investing in the equipment, right, So it's very
nice to see. So twice a year, so the contract
covers two times a year for the maintenance.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
So someone calls you up and they're like, hey, I
want to set up a maintenance agreement. They call your office,
which that number is.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Four O nine eight four two twenty four zero two.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
And you guys have locations in Beaumont and Lumberton and Lumberton,
and so they can even just walk in if they
want to and they say, hey, I will want to
set up maintenance. What's the next step.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Well, we have Jamie in our office is our CSR.
We call her our maintenance queen. So we just tell
everybody call Jamie. She'll get you. She'll get you set up.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
So yeah, so she'll ask you a few questions about
your systems. How many do you have? Some most homes
have won, some we'll have multiples. And again, if there's
any special filtration on the system or anything else that
we need to pay attention to. And if you're not sure,
we can get out there and take a run through
and see what you got, you know, and be able
to build it back backwards. But she's really good about
(19:37):
making sure that they understand getting you set up on
your schedules.
Speaker 5 (19:41):
We call you.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
You do not have to wait and say oh, I
think Mike's time.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
Now.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
She'll have already gotten in touch with you and let
you know, hey can we get out there next week
and here we go.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
So you get out there and then what do they do.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
So we have a pretty extensive list that we bring
on our checklist that we go through and won't go
through all of it, but a lot of it is
is checking the refrigerent pressures, amps, physical look at the
contactors and different things like that. We check the capacitors
(20:15):
that are in the system. We are also a lot
a lot of the systems that we use because we
try to protect these systems. We have these filters that
are up in the attic. If they're due to be changed,
we take those filters out, replace them, put those new
ones in. They're good for the year. You don't have
to worry about them. And we treat the drains, try
(20:35):
to make sure that those are good, look at the
duck work, look at the performance. And then probably one
of the bigger keys is simply go back to the
homeowner and go, hey, how's the system doing? And you know,
I hear this noise, Okay, I need to know that,
and we go to it and go from there.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
So twice a year, because does it make it separate
where you're doing the HVAC system, the cooling system on
one and then the heating system on another, or do
you do all of it both times.
Speaker 4 (21:05):
So it's difficult to do a heating check up in
the middle of summer because most people do not want
to fire that gas furnace off when it's ninety five.
But the gas furnaces and the heat and the indoor
fan calls do have blowers in them, so both of
them have the fan that drives the air conditioning, so
we have to look at it. We may not take
it through a full heating check, but we are verifying
(21:28):
that that piece of equipment is good. So typically in
this time of year we're doing a very extensive cool check,
and then when we get into the fall, we do
a fall check. But in the fall, you're not really
making a bunch of condensate. We don't care. We still
treat the drain because the condensate drains are probably the
(21:48):
most affected thing we have on systems because of so
much water that these systems produce.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
We have a little humidity in our error tation that
just makes a little bit of a difference, so completely
get that. So that's the HVAC system. Now, we were
just talking to the judge about the fact that we
are in hurricane season and we're all praying that that
doesn't happen. But while hurricanes, if we get told to
(22:19):
leave during hurricane, of course you don't need a generator,
because if you have a mandatory evacuation, you need to
get out. But there are times, not even in hurricane season,
just in the normal year where we get a thunderstorm
and some people really want that backup electricity. And so
one of the other things that you guys do is
that you do have generators as well.
Speaker 5 (22:39):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
So we sell in service and maintenance the generack style generator.
The question that that homeowner wants to ask is what
am I looking for in this generator? Hey, if their
only aspect is a hurricane, then we take them. When
we sit down and talk to them about it, we say, okay,
(23:01):
if that's all you're looking for. You do understand that
if judge calls a mandatory evacuation, there is not going
to be McDonald's is not open, convenience stores are not open.
You don't have gas, you don't have all of the
amenities we have.
Speaker 1 (23:18):
Yeah, I think you forget about that.
Speaker 5 (23:19):
You do, and it's important forgetting.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
That right life stops because all of those places are closed.
Speaker 5 (23:25):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (23:26):
But on the flip side, you have that person that
works out at the new Lendy plant or in Exon
mobil in that and they I can't I have to
if I do evacuate, I have to immediately get back.
And so I will use our situation as it is,
because we service and maintain generators in a essence of
(23:47):
a storm. If it was bad enough, we may evacuate
to get out of the brut of it, but we
come back. And what it allows us to do is
after that long day of doing what we had to do,
we're in our own home, in our own bed, with
our own everything around us, in our stress level, we're
(24:07):
able to decompress. Versus if we were staying in a
hotel or somebody else's house or something like that, we
would never get that back to that stress level back down.
And so that's it's a we typically have a one
to two hour conversation with that person as we go
to make sure that they understand yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
To see if it's really a valuable tool for them
or not correct or if you're just spending money on
something that really isn't going to be that beneficial to
you long term.
Speaker 5 (24:34):
Right.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
But you know there are people that say, you know what,
I'm worried about the power grid. We've lost power three
or four times. I just I don't need that headache
in my life. I want to be able to lights
go out fifteen seconds later I have power back to
my house, and I understand that in a major situation. Yeah,
(24:56):
there'll be things that I can't do, but I'm good
with that. Again, I need to be able to handle myself.
And when you do that, then you've made a good decision.
So education over the whole process is super key.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
That's great. Well, when we come back, we're going to
talk about one other system that you guys have, and
that's called the Halo system. Yes, yeah, I have one
right over my head, so if y'all need to see it.
But when we come back, we're going to hear more
about that from Lee and Terry Potter. Don't go away,
we'll be right back. Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons
and I am visiting with Lee and Terry Potter of
(25:30):
American Air Systems and we've been talking about how do
you keep your AC system tuned up so that it
is going to function well in this very hot heat
that we're having. And then they visited a little bit
about generators and is it a right thing for you
to do or not. You just need to give them
a call, let them talk through the options with you
and make a decision if that is right for you
(25:52):
or not. But they also have another system. It is
called the Halo system. Now everyone out there is going,
what are you talking about, So give us a little
bit of information about what is the Halo system.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
The Halo Filtration and Conditioning system. It's a water filtration
and conditioning system. It is designed to handle all the
water in your home. People have heard of the reverse
osmosis that they put underneath the sink to drink the water,
and that's a fabulous do fabulous option, but it's just
for that sink. This filtering system is designed to treat
(26:28):
all of the water that touches the house, so not
just the showers, not just when you're in your laboratories,
but your washing machine, your dishwasher, all of those other things.
And what it's doing is our municipalities and all the
other things they have to put stuff in the water
(26:48):
to disinfect.
Speaker 5 (26:50):
They do a great job.
Speaker 4 (26:51):
Our water hem Beaumont's pretty good. I mean you have
to really admit it. But there are chemicals and other
things that are in the water that are technically just
because they're federally the federal government says it's okay, does
not mean it's safe. This filter filters it out, it
removes it so that when the water comes back, you've
(27:12):
almost you've got bottled water, bottled water at every tap
in your home.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
So what does this look like. Let's say someone's like, okay,
I am interested in getting in getting that for my house.
How how does how does it go from there?
Speaker 5 (27:28):
Simple stuff? Man.
Speaker 4 (27:29):
All we have to do is come out. We'll have
one of our people come out. First thing they'll do,
they'll do a simple test, little chlorine and alkaline test
on your on your water. In most cases you're going
to find that you your chlorine level in your water
is perfect for a swimming pool.
Speaker 5 (27:47):
Yeah, just the way it is.
Speaker 4 (27:49):
And what we're trying to do is trying to have clean,
high alkaline water. And we come out, we'll we'll show
you what we've got. There's a couple of different options
to choose from. We won't go into those right now,
but we've got a whole different ways of doing it,
and there is something there is a one that will
work on your home.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Here, okay. And one of the things, Terry, that you
were talking about is that you have a grandchild with
a little bit of eczema, and talk a little bit
about how that's been impacted in your home with your system.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:22):
Well, and we can see a difference.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
You know when the salesman first came out and he
was talking about all the things, and what sold me
on it is not only is it supposed to be
better for you your skin, your hair and things. I
like the fact that it's easier on your all your
appliances hot water, heater, dishwasher, all the things. So you know,
(28:47):
that perked me up. But yeah, we can see a
difference in his eggsma. Yeah, so I was like, okay,
I'm sold. Let's put because we don't you know, when
we when we sell something we want to we put
it out, we put it at our home, we put
it on our shop.
Speaker 5 (29:05):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
That's when we first put the smaller one on our shop.
And we have a nice machine and the filter always
stayed brown. The minute we put that filter on, the
filter stays white.
Speaker 5 (29:19):
Yeah, they change the filter.
Speaker 4 (29:20):
It's been in for about four months and it still
looks it's in a clear cylinder.
Speaker 5 (29:24):
It still looks exactly like the day we put it in.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Yeah, so so really good personally. Have seen an EmPATH
on how it is affecting you guys. Well, I really
love that. I think I need to connect because, like
you said, it's not just the benefit to our family,
you know, our kids, our grandkids. It's also the benefit
(29:48):
to our appliances and the fact that are what you
were talking about, your faucets and all of that, and
how they do get corroded and then get all that
build up on there. So it is a I would think,
long term, a money saver on some of those things
as well, because it doesn't damage those appliances and faucets
(30:10):
like it the normal water can.
Speaker 4 (30:12):
So like on people have tankless water heaters, they state
that with this filtering system on it, you don't necessarily
need to do that flush that is required of a
tankless water heater every year. Until we see that we say,
you know, hey, still continue to flush it. And so
in one other part on this, so that you do
(30:32):
understand this is not a filter. This filtering system is
not going to be able to take a boil water
notice off. Okay, if the if the officials tell you
to boil your water, you're still going to do the
same thing until that's been resolved. But this is again
(30:53):
still trying to take out, filter out all those bacterias,
all those other things, the chlorines and the heavy metals
that are in there out and get it done.
Speaker 5 (31:02):
So it's really cool.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Well, that is really amazing. If someone has questions about
any of the products that you guys have talked about today,
how should they get in touch with you?
Speaker 5 (31:13):
Simplest way?
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Couple phone numbers four oh nine eight four two twenty
four oh two or four oh nine seven five one
five zero zero one. They can go to our website
at a M E R AI R dot com. We've
got some videos, We've got all sorts of stuff right there.
They can call. They can talk to our R and P.
They can talk to Terry, they can talk to me.
(31:35):
We'll get them somebody out there that can get them
the information that they require, and you'll be a bit surprised.
The water systems are not They're more affordable than you think.
I mean, they really are. When you look at the
over the long longevity of it.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
Yeah, well, I appreciate you coming and sharing that with us.
And when we come back, we are going to visit
with Kimberly Piper. She is going to talk a little
bit about out, what are mortgage rates doing, what can
you expect coming up? And is now the right time
to go ahead and buy? So don't go away. This
is the Dana Simmons Show. This is Dana Simmons and
(32:13):
I am joined this afternoon by Kimberly Piper and Kimberly.
You are a mortgage loan originator with First Financial Bank,
but you've been in the mortgage business a little while.
Speaker 6 (32:26):
Yes, ma'am, thank you so much for having me here today, Dana.
My name's Kimberly Piper. I am a mortgage loan originator
with First Financial Bank. I started my career banking career
way back in nineteen ninety four. So I'm originally from
a little small town in Colorado. Worked for a little
community bank there for twenty three years. It was a
(32:47):
little town of about five thousand people, so community banking
is definitely not new to me. I've lived in Arizona, California,
and now the Great State of Texas.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
Now you finally got here, Yes, finally.
Speaker 6 (33:01):
Timing is everything. But I have to say, Texas really
is my favorite of all states that I've lived in.
And I love to tell people because they ask me
all the time, Oh, how do you like Texas? I
honestly love it. I like to tell people Texas reminds
me of America twenty years ago. So I love the
hospitality of the people, and I love the values. It's
(33:25):
It's been great, and banking has been a really great
career for me. It's a very stable business. People always
need money, they do, so I feel blessed to have
been in the business this long because I've seen a
lot of the different real estate markets, interest rates, types
of loan situations to overcome. But overall, I just love
(33:46):
helping people.
Speaker 1 (33:46):
Yeah, and you talked about being in it long enough
to see so tell me what your thoughts are about
the current market condition. Sure.
Speaker 6 (33:56):
Well, the good news is we've seen an increase of
loan application. They're up about our funded loans are up
about twenty five percent from last year, so that's really
good news. Production for June is looking even better, so
things are picking up. People are getting used to those
higher interest rates, of course we say higher, but like
we were talking earlier, really these rates are really are normal.
Speaker 1 (34:20):
Right, And that's that's what people forget, is that the
average rate is over seven and a half percent and
we're below that, So we really are below average. If
we were above average, I might see people complaining, But
we had unrealistic interest rights for a very long time
and people got used to it. Listen, it was wonderful.
Speaker 3 (34:41):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (34:42):
We all love We're busy, but I mean everyone loved it.
But it just could not sustain There's no sustainability in that.
And so we knew it was going to go up
and we do not anticipate it ever going back down there.
While we can't predict anything that it's really quite unexpected
that that will go back down to that rate. So
(35:04):
what we're looking at is a mortgage rate pretty close
to where we are. Hopefully it does go down a little,
but right now we're just kind of holding below seven right.
Speaker 6 (35:13):
Yes, high sixes of low sevens, but really right now, debt,
inflation and tariffs are what are impacting the interest rates.
And also you know the consumer, they don't have a
lot of confidence right now and what's going on. Maybe
they're you know, a little bit scared, and even our
Federal Reserve is proceeding with caution. If we look at
(35:35):
what some of our big economists are saying, like Fannie
May and Freddie Mack and the National Realtors Association, they're saying,
maybe we can possibly predict and look for rates to
go a little bit lower at the end of the year.
But again, like you said, we're not talking to in
three percent that that was really an anomaly.
Speaker 1 (35:53):
Yes, it was.
Speaker 6 (35:54):
You know, five percent was considered a low, a very
low rate, right, so you know we might see low
six as if we're lucky.
Speaker 1 (36:02):
Yeah, And when you talk about that the national news
and the things going on in the nation, it really
reflects on things are harder in some parts of our nation.
But as Judge Brannick spoke about, there are so many
good things happening here, and an influx of jobs and
(36:22):
an influx of all types of work that will be
here that will cause a trickle down effect to all
of us. I mean, it'll impact the restaurants, it'll impact
real estate, it'll impact mortgages. So we do see a
lot of positive things happening locally. So I think the
challenge can be if people here are listening to the
national news without considering the difference in what's going on
(36:47):
here locally.
Speaker 6 (36:48):
Definitely, and that's where it's important to work with someone
that knows the local market and what's going on. Because
Texas overall is a very strong economy. But like we're talking,
you have all the plants, we have the refineries. It's
incredible job growth and opportunity here.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
Yeah, he was saying fifty five billion just here locally
and other more coming. So well, let's talk a little
bit about for those who are just kind of sitting
on the fence. Let's talk a little bit about the
cost of waiting.
Speaker 6 (37:20):
Yes, ma'am, so I always like to explain it to
my customers this way. Unless you are living rent free,
you're paying a mortgage.
Speaker 1 (37:28):
So to see someone's mortgage.
Speaker 6 (37:29):
Yes it might not be your mortgage, but you're paying
somebody's mortgage. So everyone needs shelter. You know, a home
provides security, a sense of community, stability, and it gives
you freedom to do whatever you want with the property.
You know, you can do a remodel without having to
ask permission. You can paint your house a different color.
So those types of things are are really nice to have,
(37:53):
but then you also have the equity side of it.
So delaying to purchase, even just by one means you're
missing out on some major equity because in a year
from now, you might pay fifteen or twenty five thousand
dollars more for the home, and while the interest rate
might be lower, you're going to be paying more for
the homeyah so and having to put more money down.
(38:15):
So it's balancing that, yes, And you're exactly right. Wealth
has grown through equity, and I do think that it's
a matter of sitting down with someone like yourself and
talking through, Okay, here's what I have, here's what I
can do, and how am I able to move forward
with a home? And I would imagine sometimes it's a
(38:36):
matter you have to say these things have to be
done first, definitely, And I really enjoy counseling some of
the first time home buyers and a lot of people,
even older adults, think oh, there's no way I could
ever buy a house, and they just they don't understand,
you know, maybe they think they have a credit issue
or they really don't, or they don't know about some
of those programs that are out there that allow people
(38:58):
to buy homes and affordable programs.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
And you guys have some of those programs right now.
You have some really amazing products, So talk a little
bit about what you guys have to offer.
Speaker 6 (39:08):
Yes, So as far as our loan products, we just
kicked off a whole series of new mortgage products. A
lot of people may not even know that First Financial
Bank has a mortgage company. So we have a great
mortgage team. Our team is growing, our mortgage base is growing.
(39:30):
We have the conventional Fannie MAE and Freddie mac loans,
the government loans FHA VA USDA. But also we're really
focused on building value in our communities and giving back.
So our newly launched products include our Community Investment Grant
and that serves some of the moderate and low income applicants.
(39:50):
So with these programs, we're able to reduce closing costs,
give them a little closing five hundred dollars closing gift
at closing of they get of a lender credit as well.
Now we have three different programs. One of them they
have to be in a certain census tract. One of
(40:11):
them they have to be under eighty percent of the
area median income, and then if they're in both, they
get even a bigger lender credit. So we have those
two programs, and then we also have one where you
don't have any income limit, but if you're buying in
a certain area, you get to take advantage of some
additional incentives as well.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
So I think that the key is to sit down
and give you all the information and then you be
able to guide them to say, Okay, these programs I
think are going to be the best for you. One
of the programs I know people are not aware of,
or a lot of people don't know, there is the
opportunity for one hundred percent conventional loan, and it does
(40:53):
there are certain qualifications, but I mean there are a
lot of properties that are in that availability and then
the what you can make is pretty good in that too.
So I mean there are some people who are like, oh,
I don't have a lot of money, but I don't
want to do faha or VA because then there are
issues sometimes with appraisals. So the wonderful thing is that
(41:16):
there is a loan that you guys have one hundred
percent conventional. Correct.
Speaker 6 (41:21):
Yeah, we have our conventional program three percent down, but
we also have the Texas down payment assistance programs that
we can combined with that to make it one hundred
percent financing. And a lot of sellers are still willing
to give you credits to help with closing costs or
a rate buydown. So although it may seem, you know,
(41:44):
like a pipe dream to own your own home because
of everything being just so outrageously expensive, you really need
to come in and talk to me and I can.
I can guide you through the process.
Speaker 1 (41:55):
I think that's the key. Just sit down with someone
that you trust, that you can be honest with. That's
going to be the key. So many people don't want
to tell you the whole story, correct, but you can't
help them until you know the whole story.
Speaker 6 (42:08):
Always communicate with your lender no matter what, especially if
you have an existing mortgage and you're falling on hard times.
The worst thing you could do is not say anything.
There's things we can we can do to help you,
and we're here to help you.
Speaker 1 (42:20):
Yeah, now, Kimberly, you are in the Lumberton office, yes, ma'am,
but you can help people across Southeast Texas.
Speaker 6 (42:27):
Yes, I sure can.
Speaker 1 (42:29):
So tell tell the audience how can they get in
contact with you?
Speaker 4 (42:33):
Sure?
Speaker 6 (42:34):
If you are in the area, stop by the Lumberton office.
I would love to meet you. Otherwise you can reach
me direct four nine two zero one five one eight seven.
My email address is k dot Piper at f FI
N dot com.
Speaker 2 (42:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (42:48):
And one of the exciting things is you are about
to be a B and I president. Yes, thank you
am So are you super excited about that?
Speaker 6 (42:57):
I am. I just took the reins last last Tuesdays,
So BE and I has been a great thing for
me here of moving here and being able to meet people,
and it's it's it's a really great organization.
Speaker 1 (43:11):
Well, and it's how you and I first connected was
that the chamber event, So you know, getting out in
the in the community is so important. And actually Lee
and Terry Potter, that's how we're connected as well, working
in the community with the chamber and Terry you're actually
about to move into a position with the foundation.
Speaker 3 (43:34):
I am. I'll be coming in as the board chair,
so to speak. So I'm looking forward to that October.
First take the reins from Zack Styles for Beaumont Chamber
Chamber found Foundation.
Speaker 1 (43:48):
So super excited. And Lee, you're on the board.
Speaker 4 (43:50):
I'm on the board and I'm in the middle of
my BBB board chair this year, so we got to
we just finished torch and yeah, it was great and
having we tell you what on BBB, We've got a
lot of things coming.
Speaker 5 (44:06):
It's going to be really cool.
Speaker 6 (44:07):
Well that was an incredible event.
Speaker 5 (44:09):
Thank you.
Speaker 6 (44:09):
That was my first year, and I mean I keep
ragging to everyone about that it was gorgeous and that
it was amazing.
Speaker 4 (44:16):
Well, thank you, thank you. The whole thing was to
celebrate businesses. That's what we tried to do.
Speaker 1 (44:20):
Well, I'll tell you I love that when we talk
to people who are in business here in Southeast Texas,
that they're connected some way in giving back. And I
know that about you guys. I know one of the
things that you just did was you gave away an
air system to someone who had been nominated for that so.
Speaker 3 (44:41):
Sweet family invitor. It's a grandmother raising all of her
grand kids.
Speaker 5 (44:46):
And got installed Thursday.
Speaker 3 (44:47):
It was very nice.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
It's there cool now, wonderful to they need it right now. Yes,
with this heat, so so exciting and appreciate you all
being here. Tell everyone again, how do they get in
touch with you, you guys if they have questions either
about the air contract. Tell me what's that called that
you do?
Speaker 3 (45:06):
A maintenance plan?
Speaker 1 (45:07):
A maintenance plan, so the maintenance plan that you do
twice a year. Also the generators or the Halo system.
How can someone contact you if they have questions about
any of that?
Speaker 3 (45:16):
They can simply call the office. The Bonement number is
four O nine eight four two twenty four zero two,
or you can call the Lumberton office four oh nine
seven five one, five thousand and one.
Speaker 1 (45:28):
And you guys have a Facebook page and all the
all the places the place, Yeah, they can find you.
So thank you so much for joining me today and
being thanks for.
Speaker 5 (45:38):
For this opportunity. We always relish this times.
Speaker 1 (45:41):
Well, it's so good because people don't know, they don't
know the people behind the names, and I think getting
them to know who you are, how long you've been
in business here. I mean this was your dad's business before.
Speaker 4 (45:51):
It was your mom and dad started it. We're in
our forty third year.
Speaker 1 (45:56):
Years, so it's good to know the people that are
behind Thank you the name, So appreciate you joining us
for that. And Kimberly, thank you so much for joining
us giving us an update on what's going on in
the mortgage world and uh once again. If someone needs
to get in contact with you, how would they do that?
Speaker 6 (46:12):
You can reach me direct at four O nine too
oh one five one eight seven, or stop by the
Lumberton office. I'd love to meet you.
Speaker 1 (46:19):
And at Lumberton branch is right there on sixty nine.
Speaker 6 (46:24):
Yep, right across from the Walmart.
Speaker 1 (46:26):
Yeah, can't miss it.
Speaker 3 (46:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (46:28):
Well, thank you guys for joining me today. If you
have any questions about real estate, don't hesitate to call
my office four oh nine eight six six eight three
two six and one of my team members will be
there to assist you. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
This is the Dana Simmons Show.
Well, hello Southeast Texas. I'm so glad you've joined us
today for a beautiful Saturday. We have a power packed hour.
You are not going to want to miss any of it.
Today with us is Jefferson County Judge Jeff Brannick, and
we are excited to hear from him about preparation for
hurricane season. And it's upon us, Judge, hitn't it.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
It's here, it's here, it's here, And of course it
could happen any day, but typically we our busiest times
have been August and September.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Right, But I would imagine right now is a time
that you guys have even started planning and preparing for,
or you may already be ready for what may happen
or may not happen here in Southeast Texas.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Every year we do pre disaster contracting to make sure
that in the event we're hit, we have contracts in
place to bring in generators and everything we need to
do to adequately respond to and recover from a natural disaster. Yeah,
we also throughout the year and do exercise. As a
(01:06):
matter of fact, we have a mock exercise coming up
this week that's going to simulate high water rescues and
like we had experiences with in Harvey and Amelda. And
we also have pre disaster hazard mitigation plan which are this,
(01:29):
you know, a foot thick that we work on year
round to make sure that we've checked all the boxes
in inadequately prepared because the purpose of the office is
to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
One of the things that I think we are so
thankful for is that you have been in this position
through and managed to beautifully navigate for all of us
lots of disasters, and so the experience that you bring
to Southeast Texas for all of these things is so
vast because you've seen a lot.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Not the kind of experience that you want for your constituents.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
No, but it's great for us to have someone who
knows so.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Been very fortunate the last couple of years with no
events happening, but it always pays to be prepared. We
never know what's going to happen. You know. Although hurricane
track forecasting has gotten much much better over the last
twenty years since I went to the county, their area
of miss is much narrower than it was twenty years ago,
(02:40):
but it's still right at ninety mile cone of uncertainty
which it leads to or actually ninety miles either way.
So it's seventy two hours before tropical storm force winds
reached the coast, we still got a one hundred and
eighty mile cone of uns which makes it really difficult
(03:01):
because that's when you need to be making decisions about evacuations.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Right, and those decisions are huge because they impact. While
they impact all of us who live in Southeast Texas,
the bigger impact is to like nursing facilities and retirement
homes and those that it will take quite a bit
of effort and time to get those residents moved from
(03:28):
our area to somewhere else. So I would imagine that
the challenge and the thought process and going into making
that decision can be very very.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Tough, and experience has taught me had not made it easier.
It's made it tougher because experience has taught me that
many of those elderly people in those nursing homes when
they are evacuated, cannot handle the stress and many of
them die. Right, And it's extremely sad situation. It's very
(04:02):
much a double edged sward because I don't do a
mandatory evacuation order, and it comes and our people leave
and evacuate without an order, they normally can't take advantage
of the additional living expense claims on their home insurance
(04:24):
policies during their absence. So there are difficulties both ways
from insurance perspective and from a life perspective. But it's
going to have to be a pretty significant storm for
me to do a county wide evacuation order just because
(04:46):
of the not really the possibility, more the probability that
they're going to be this associated with the evacuation.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Right, So in preparing for all of that, I know
that you probably have some points that you think each
one of us things that we should be doing in
our own home. What are some of the things that
you would recommend that we have prepared in the event
of that hurricane event.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
Well, obviously it's always important that people keep their insurance
coverages up to date. And yeah, you know, your home
insurance policy without a writer for wind coverage doesn't cover wind,
you know, it just covers fire and bandalism and things
like that, So you have to have windstorm insurance traditional
(05:40):
home insurance, and it also does not cover floods, which
is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
So good point for that right now is that's usually
a thirty day wait. So if you don't have flood
insurance making that decision to try to get that now,
we you and I were talking, or you said earlier.
You know, typically storms come here later in the season,
you know, and not so much in June, so June
(06:11):
or July. So if we are able to put a
house under a flood insurance policy, you know, before something comes,
that's definitely helpful. So that thirty day window gives you
an opportunity to go and do that.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Now, same way with windstorm once you know, there are
people that call up once the storm's entered the golf
and they will not mind when storm once right the
storms entered the golf, So it's important to have that
coverage beforehand if it's something that you desire to have.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Yeah, now we've talked about all this as preparation, and
of course we're going to pray that we don't get
a storm, and I think we've had our fair share,
so you know, we shouldn't get anymore, but we want
to be prepared if we do. But I'd like to
go ahead and shift over to some more exciting news there.
We have so many things coming to Southeast Texas. I mean,
(07:00):
it is amazing the amount of industry and money that's
relocating to our area. And I know you could go
on for a very long time about all of them.
But if you had to say a few things that
you're the most excited about, what would be some of
the things that you're looking forward to.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Two things that probably excite me the most. One on
the economic development front is that you know, in the
last couple of years, we look back at our economic
development agreements and it entered into over fifty five billion
dollars worth of agreements. Right now, we have two major
LNG projects under construction, another petrochemical plant fixing the start
(07:42):
a major natural gas liquids plant down in Needling with
energy transfer partners. We have the OCI Methanol and the
Lendy hydrogen plant that are being built down there and
are very visible on the Highway sixty nine to Twin
City corridor. And we're talking to a lot of people
(08:05):
about other very major projects. So I do not see
a real slow down in the economic development and job
creation area for a very long time.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
And that benefit to Southeast Texas is a trickle down effect.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Yes. And the wonderful thing is and this is actually
a third thing I'm excited about, is that our local
educational institutions Lamar University, l i T or State College
Port Author in Orange have been wonderful in responding with
programs to the changes that are happening in the area industry.
(08:46):
And you know, we got a new ports program because
we got the third largest port in the United States
in Jefferson County, and at new Ports program at Lamar.
We've got lots of programs that and the Marshday College,
Fort Author and Orange that are geared towards training people
in the areas of everything from instrument technicians to machinists
(09:09):
to you know, computer technologists and so forth or whatever
the proper name is for these it people people that
think differently than me. And I guess the third thing
I'm really excited about is coastal restoration. You know, we've
been the recipients from the BP of Build of over
(09:29):
two hundred million dollars in funding that we've used to
restore our coach. We're now working on an agreement which
we think will be completed in July. With a major
local industrial partner that's going to fund thirty four miles
of living shorelines. We're partnering. I've been talking for the
(09:50):
last couple of years with Flash's Agricultural Marine Research Institute
about oyster seeding to improve you know, living shoreline are
great carbon sequestration tools, to the extent that there are
people that believe that that's something that's important. But I
(10:14):
do believe coastal protection, storm surge protection, protection of our
fishery resources. Since we have the second most valuable seafood
catch on the Texas Golf Coast, those are all important,
which is why I want to protect our coast and
protect us from storm surge. And so these are all
(10:35):
new projects. We've also got another twenty million dollars coming
from the Texas General Land Office for coastal protection. We've
got about a twenty million dollars federal appropriation to US
Fish and Wildlife to complete the beach dune system from
Sarem Park to Texas Point on federal land. And those
(10:56):
are really exciting things.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Yeah, and what I love about all of this, Judge,
is that when we hear the news nationally, it's a
lot of doom and gloom and big question marks, and
yet here in Southeast Texas, you guys have been working
so hard to continue to generate additional resources and people
coming to our area and your economic development that's drawing
(11:21):
them in. I mean, fifty five billion with a bee
that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
About two weeks ago, the American Shores and Beaches Conservation Association,
the biggest one in the United States, gave Iron McFadden
Coastal Beachdune Restoration Project the top award the United States.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
Amazing. So lots of positive things going on in Southeast Texas.
I'm so thankful that you came on the show today
to talk about some of those anything else you want
to make sure that the listeners know about well.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
The county obviously in July, will be going into budget
hearings second week in July. I do continue to be
proud of the fact that out of the two hundred
fifty four counties in Texas, we have the eighth lowest
tax rate, and one of the reasons is because obviously
(12:22):
we have a lot of industry. Taxes for homeowners are
still obviously something they don't appreciate paying. And the legislature
of this session increased the homestead exemption again, and for
those over sixty five who have the over sixty five exemption,
that's going to be up to two hundred thousand dollars.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
I'm almost there.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I think one hundred and forty for under sixty five,
it's what it was increased to. That's assuming that we
don't have any vetos of any of these bills, which
we won't know until June twenty second. But I can't
imagine the governor vetoing that bill when that was one
of his legislative priorities in advance of the session. But
(13:14):
we will continue to work to keep the tax raid
as low as we can. The other day, speaking at
oh My Chamber, I went through a list of how
our expenses at the county have increased pretty dramatically over
the last six years, just like consumers have seen in
(13:34):
their household prices increase at a geometrical rate. And so
we're trying to get a hold of those things. We're
trying to use novel ways of dealing with the issues,
in some cases using leases and other creative financing, and
in the future maybe a private public partnership. So I
(14:01):
anticipate that the Commission's Court will be one mind pretty
much on ninety nine percent of the issues that we
go through budget hearing.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Well, you know, none of us enjoy paying a lot
of taxes, but we all enjoy what those benefits are
from our taxes, and sometimes we forget about those, you know,
we just think about what we pay and not the
benefit that we get from what we pay. And we
have such great benefits here in South Eastexas, so you know,
it's trying to balance that. You know, we all want
(14:31):
to just complain and fuss, but those taxes go to
things that promote our area, that bring that fifty five
billion dollars worth of industry that helps to you know,
conserve and preserve our coastlines. So you know, it is
a balance that you have to consider.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
It really is. And I also said this the other
day that consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity
to serve as county judge during a time when we've
seen such a dramatic expansion in the economy. I really
hadn't seen anything like this in one hundred and twenty years,
(15:10):
and so it's been pretty phenomenal. And it's one of
those situations where if you can't find a job in
this economy, either you don't want one or you just
really don't have any training at all and you need
to go to lt Or Lamar and get it.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Yeah, go talk to doctor Valentine. He can get you
hooked up. He's such a great guy. Well, Judge, it
has been really an honor. We do appreciate all you do.
I know you put your heart and soul into this
job and give it everything that you have, and I
know that your heart is to do what is good
and right for all in Southeast Texas. So thank you.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate the
opportunity to be here.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Yeah. Well, when we come back, we are going to
visit with Lee and Terry Potter with American Airs Systems.
We're going to talk a little bit about how do
you manage this heat? What do you need to do
to prepare your air conditioning for the heat that is
coming even in the next couple of months. So don't
go away. This is the Dana Simmons Show. Welcome back.
This is Dana Simmons. I'm so glad you joined us today.
(16:17):
We just heard from Judge Jeff Brannett giving us all
the incredible things that are going on in Southeast Texas
and the growth in the economic development that's coming to
our area. So if you didn't get a chance to
listen to that, the podcast will be on the iHeart
app this week, so go back and take a listen.
We also have with us Lee and Terry Potter, and
(16:39):
I'm sure you've all noticed it's gotten a little hot
out there, just a little, just a little. And one
of the things that you guys do is HVAC systems
and that's just one so we're going to talk about
that first, So talk a little bit about what people
need to do to prepare their systems for this heat.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
Well, first things first is, like everything else, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
You have to make sure that you keep everything these
machines in working order. Everybody's gotten really good about taking
their cars and changing the oil at every five thousand miles.
They just do it without even thinking. But then they
let their air conditioner go for three years and not
(17:21):
have any maintenance on it. And you've got people mowing
and discharging grass into the outdoor condenser. You've got condensate
drains that are mudding up and having filth and grime
and stopping up drains and things of that nature. And
then these all do have mechanical parts in that you've
got to pay attention to. And so first things first,
(17:42):
maintenance that machine. Have a professional come out, look at it,
run through it. Because if you're just a little bit
low on refrigerant, it's what you would have what we
call an unseen expense. It's keeping your house cool but
not as efficiently as it should, so your utility bills
a little higher. The systems had to run a little
(18:04):
bit longer. The system is running at a higher temperature internally,
which could cause damage to it and wear out the life.
So just step by step by step that just have
that maintenance done by a professional, make sure everything is good.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
And you guys do that twice a year. You can
have a plan, so talk talk about that.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Yes, yep, And it's really nice because we've seen a
rise in our customers investing in these maintenance plans because
they're they're investing in the equipment, right, So it's very
nice to see. So twice a year, so the contract
covers two times a year for the maintenance.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
So someone calls you up and they're like, hey, I
want to set up a maintenance agreement. They call your office,
which that number is.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Four O nine eight four two twenty four zero two.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
And you guys have locations in Beaumont and Lumberton and Lumberton,
and so they can even just walk in if they
want to and they say, hey, I will want to
set up maintenance. What's the next step.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Well, we have Jamie in our office is our CSR.
We call her our maintenance queen. So we just tell
everybody call Jamie. She'll get you. She'll get you set up.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
So yeah, so she'll ask you a few questions about
your systems. How many do you have? Some most homes
have won, some we'll have multiples. And again, if there's
any special filtration on the system or anything else that
we need to pay attention to. And if you're not sure,
we can get out there and take a run through
and see what you got, you know, and be able
to build it back backwards. But she's really good about
(19:37):
making sure that they understand getting you set up on
your schedules.
Speaker 5 (19:41):
We call you.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
You do not have to wait and say oh, I
think Mike's time.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
Now.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
She'll have already gotten in touch with you and let
you know, hey can we get out there next week
and here we go.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
So you get out there and then what do they do.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
So we have a pretty extensive list that we bring
on our checklist that we go through and won't go
through all of it, but a lot of it is
is checking the refrigerent pressures, amps, physical look at the
contactors and different things like that. We check the capacitors
(20:15):
that are in the system. We are also a lot
a lot of the systems that we use because we
try to protect these systems. We have these filters that
are up in the attic. If they're due to be changed,
we take those filters out, replace them, put those new
ones in. They're good for the year. You don't have
to worry about them. And we treat the drains, try
(20:35):
to make sure that those are good, look at the
duck work, look at the performance. And then probably one
of the bigger keys is simply go back to the
homeowner and go, hey, how's the system doing? And you know,
I hear this noise, Okay, I need to know that,
and we go to it and go from there.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
So twice a year, because does it make it separate
where you're doing the HVAC system, the cooling system on
one and then the heating system on another, or do
you do all of it both times.
Speaker 4 (21:05):
So it's difficult to do a heating check up in
the middle of summer because most people do not want
to fire that gas furnace off when it's ninety five.
But the gas furnaces and the heat and the indoor
fan calls do have blowers in them, so both of
them have the fan that drives the air conditioning, so
we have to look at it. We may not take
it through a full heating check, but we are verifying
(21:28):
that that piece of equipment is good. So typically in
this time of year we're doing a very extensive cool check,
and then when we get into the fall, we do
a fall check. But in the fall, you're not really
making a bunch of condensate. We don't care. We still
treat the drain because the condensate drains are probably the
(21:48):
most affected thing we have on systems because of so
much water that these systems produce.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
We have a little humidity in our error tation that
just makes a little bit of a difference, so completely
get that. So that's the HVAC system. Now, we were
just talking to the judge about the fact that we
are in hurricane season and we're all praying that that
doesn't happen. But while hurricanes, if we get told to
(22:19):
leave during hurricane, of course you don't need a generator,
because if you have a mandatory evacuation, you need to
get out. But there are times, not even in hurricane season,
just in the normal year where we get a thunderstorm
and some people really want that backup electricity. And so
one of the other things that you guys do is
that you do have generators as well.
Speaker 5 (22:39):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
So we sell in service and maintenance the generack style generator.
The question that that homeowner wants to ask is what
am I looking for in this generator? Hey, if their
only aspect is a hurricane, then we take them. When
we sit down and talk to them about it, we say, okay,
(23:01):
if that's all you're looking for. You do understand that
if judge calls a mandatory evacuation, there is not going
to be McDonald's is not open, convenience stores are not open.
You don't have gas, you don't have all of the
amenities we have.
Speaker 1 (23:18):
Yeah, I think you forget about that.
Speaker 5 (23:19):
You do, and it's important forgetting.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
That right life stops because all of those places are closed.
Speaker 5 (23:25):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (23:26):
But on the flip side, you have that person that
works out at the new Lendy plant or in Exon
mobil in that and they I can't I have to
if I do evacuate, I have to immediately get back.
And so I will use our situation as it is,
because we service and maintain generators in a essence of
(23:47):
a storm. If it was bad enough, we may evacuate
to get out of the brut of it, but we
come back. And what it allows us to do is
after that long day of doing what we had to do,
we're in our own home, in our own bed, with
our own everything around us, in our stress level, we're
(24:07):
able to decompress. Versus if we were staying in a
hotel or somebody else's house or something like that, we
would never get that back to that stress level back down.
And so that's it's a we typically have a one
to two hour conversation with that person as we go
to make sure that they understand yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
To see if it's really a valuable tool for them
or not correct or if you're just spending money on
something that really isn't going to be that beneficial to
you long term.
Speaker 5 (24:34):
Right.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
But you know there are people that say, you know what,
I'm worried about the power grid. We've lost power three
or four times. I just I don't need that headache
in my life. I want to be able to lights
go out fifteen seconds later I have power back to
my house, and I understand that in a major situation. Yeah,
(24:56):
there'll be things that I can't do, but I'm good
with that. Again, I need to be able to handle myself.
And when you do that, then you've made a good decision.
So education over the whole process is super key.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
That's great. Well, when we come back, we're going to
talk about one other system that you guys have, and
that's called the Halo system. Yes, yeah, I have one
right over my head, so if y'all need to see it.
But when we come back, we're going to hear more
about that from Lee and Terry Potter. Don't go away,
we'll be right back. Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons
and I am visiting with Lee and Terry Potter of
(25:30):
American Air Systems and we've been talking about how do
you keep your AC system tuned up so that it
is going to function well in this very hot heat
that we're having. And then they visited a little bit
about generators and is it a right thing for you
to do or not. You just need to give them
a call, let them talk through the options with you
and make a decision if that is right for you
(25:52):
or not. But they also have another system. It is
called the Halo system. Now everyone out there is going,
what are you talking about, So give us a little
bit of information about what is the Halo system.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
The Halo Filtration and Conditioning system. It's a water filtration
and conditioning system. It is designed to handle all the
water in your home. People have heard of the reverse
osmosis that they put underneath the sink to drink the water,
and that's a fabulous do fabulous option, but it's just
for that sink. This filtering system is designed to treat
(26:28):
all of the water that touches the house, so not
just the showers, not just when you're in your laboratories,
but your washing machine, your dishwasher, all of those other things.
And what it's doing is our municipalities and all the
other things they have to put stuff in the water
(26:48):
to disinfect.
Speaker 5 (26:50):
They do a great job.
Speaker 4 (26:51):
Our water hem Beaumont's pretty good. I mean you have
to really admit it. But there are chemicals and other
things that are in the water that are technically just
because they're federally the federal government says it's okay, does
not mean it's safe. This filter filters it out, it
removes it so that when the water comes back, you've
(27:12):
almost you've got bottled water, bottled water at every tap
in your home.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
So what does this look like. Let's say someone's like, okay,
I am interested in getting in getting that for my house.
How how does how does it go from there?
Speaker 5 (27:28):
Simple stuff? Man.
Speaker 4 (27:29):
All we have to do is come out. We'll have
one of our people come out. First thing they'll do,
they'll do a simple test, little chlorine and alkaline test
on your on your water. In most cases you're going
to find that you your chlorine level in your water
is perfect for a swimming pool.
Speaker 5 (27:47):
Yeah, just the way it is.
Speaker 4 (27:49):
And what we're trying to do is trying to have clean,
high alkaline water. And we come out, we'll we'll show
you what we've got. There's a couple of different options
to choose from. We won't go into those right now,
but we've got a whole different ways of doing it,
and there is something there is a one that will
work on your home.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Here, okay. And one of the things, Terry, that you
were talking about is that you have a grandchild with
a little bit of eczema, and talk a little bit
about how that's been impacted in your home with your system.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:22):
Well, and we can see a difference.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
You know when the salesman first came out and he
was talking about all the things, and what sold me
on it is not only is it supposed to be
better for you your skin, your hair and things. I
like the fact that it's easier on your all your
appliances hot water, heater, dishwasher, all the things. So you know,
(28:47):
that perked me up. But yeah, we can see a
difference in his eggsma. Yeah, so I was like, okay,
I'm sold. Let's put because we don't you know, when
we when we sell something we want to we put
it out, we put it at our home, we put
it on our shop.
Speaker 5 (29:05):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
That's when we first put the smaller one on our shop.
And we have a nice machine and the filter always
stayed brown. The minute we put that filter on, the
filter stays white.
Speaker 5 (29:19):
Yeah, they change the filter.
Speaker 4 (29:20):
It's been in for about four months and it still
looks it's in a clear cylinder.
Speaker 5 (29:24):
It still looks exactly like the day we put it in.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Yeah, so so really good personally. Have seen an EmPATH
on how it is affecting you guys. Well, I really
love that. I think I need to connect because, like
you said, it's not just the benefit to our family,
you know, our kids, our grandkids. It's also the benefit
(29:48):
to our appliances and the fact that are what you
were talking about, your faucets and all of that, and
how they do get corroded and then get all that
build up on there. So it is a I would think,
long term, a money saver on some of those things
as well, because it doesn't damage those appliances and faucets
(30:10):
like it the normal water can.
Speaker 4 (30:12):
So like on people have tankless water heaters, they state
that with this filtering system on it, you don't necessarily
need to do that flush that is required of a
tankless water heater every year. Until we see that we say,
you know, hey, still continue to flush it. And so
in one other part on this, so that you do
(30:32):
understand this is not a filter. This filtering system is
not going to be able to take a boil water
notice off. Okay, if the if the officials tell you
to boil your water, you're still going to do the
same thing until that's been resolved. But this is again
(30:53):
still trying to take out, filter out all those bacterias,
all those other things, the chlorines and the heavy metals
that are in there out and get it done.
Speaker 5 (31:02):
So it's really cool.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Well, that is really amazing. If someone has questions about
any of the products that you guys have talked about today,
how should they get in touch with you?
Speaker 5 (31:13):
Simplest way?
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Couple phone numbers four oh nine eight four two twenty
four oh two or four oh nine seven five one
five zero zero one. They can go to our website
at a M E R AI R dot com. We've
got some videos, We've got all sorts of stuff right there.
They can call. They can talk to our R and P.
They can talk to Terry, they can talk to me.
(31:35):
We'll get them somebody out there that can get them
the information that they require, and you'll be a bit surprised.
The water systems are not They're more affordable than you think.
I mean, they really are. When you look at the
over the long longevity of it.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
Yeah, well, I appreciate you coming and sharing that with us.
And when we come back, we are going to visit
with Kimberly Piper. She is going to talk a little
bit about out, what are mortgage rates doing, what can
you expect coming up? And is now the right time
to go ahead and buy? So don't go away. This
is the Dana Simmons Show. This is Dana Simmons and
(32:13):
I am joined this afternoon by Kimberly Piper and Kimberly.
You are a mortgage loan originator with First Financial Bank,
but you've been in the mortgage business a little while.
Speaker 6 (32:26):
Yes, ma'am, thank you so much for having me here today, Dana.
My name's Kimberly Piper. I am a mortgage loan originator
with First Financial Bank. I started my career banking career
way back in nineteen ninety four. So I'm originally from
a little small town in Colorado. Worked for a little
community bank there for twenty three years. It was a
(32:47):
little town of about five thousand people, so community banking
is definitely not new to me. I've lived in Arizona, California,
and now the Great State of Texas.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
Now you finally got here, Yes, finally.
Speaker 6 (33:01):
Timing is everything. But I have to say, Texas really
is my favorite of all states that I've lived in.
And I love to tell people because they ask me
all the time, Oh, how do you like Texas? I
honestly love it. I like to tell people Texas reminds
me of America twenty years ago. So I love the
hospitality of the people, and I love the values. It's
(33:25):
It's been great, and banking has been a really great
career for me. It's a very stable business. People always
need money, they do, so I feel blessed to have
been in the business this long because I've seen a
lot of the different real estate markets, interest rates, types
of loan situations to overcome. But overall, I just love
(33:46):
helping people.
Speaker 1 (33:46):
Yeah, and you talked about being in it long enough
to see so tell me what your thoughts are about
the current market condition. Sure.
Speaker 6 (33:56):
Well, the good news is we've seen an increase of
loan application. They're up about our funded loans are up
about twenty five percent from last year, so that's really
good news. Production for June is looking even better, so
things are picking up. People are getting used to those
higher interest rates, of course we say higher, but like
we were talking earlier, really these rates are really are normal.
Speaker 1 (34:20):
Right, And that's that's what people forget, is that the
average rate is over seven and a half percent and
we're below that, So we really are below average. If
we were above average, I might see people complaining, But
we had unrealistic interest rights for a very long time
and people got used to it. Listen, it was wonderful.
Speaker 3 (34:41):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (34:42):
We all love We're busy, but I mean everyone loved it.
But it just could not sustain There's no sustainability in that.
And so we knew it was going to go up
and we do not anticipate it ever going back down there.
While we can't predict anything that it's really quite unexpected
that that will go back down to that rate. So
(35:04):
what we're looking at is a mortgage rate pretty close
to where we are. Hopefully it does go down a little,
but right now we're just kind of holding below seven right.
Speaker 6 (35:13):
Yes, high sixes of low sevens, but really right now, debt,
inflation and tariffs are what are impacting the interest rates.
And also you know the consumer, they don't have a
lot of confidence right now and what's going on. Maybe
they're you know, a little bit scared, and even our
Federal Reserve is proceeding with caution. If we look at
(35:35):
what some of our big economists are saying, like Fannie
May and Freddie Mack and the National Realtors Association, they're saying,
maybe we can possibly predict and look for rates to
go a little bit lower at the end of the year.
But again, like you said, we're not talking to in
three percent that that was really an anomaly.
Speaker 1 (35:53):
Yes, it was.
Speaker 6 (35:54):
You know, five percent was considered a low, a very
low rate, right, so you know we might see low
six as if we're lucky.
Speaker 1 (36:02):
Yeah, And when you talk about that the national news
and the things going on in the nation, it really
reflects on things are harder in some parts of our nation.
But as Judge Brannick spoke about, there are so many
good things happening here, and an influx of jobs and
(36:22):
an influx of all types of work that will be
here that will cause a trickle down effect to all
of us. I mean, it'll impact the restaurants, it'll impact
real estate, it'll impact mortgages. So we do see a
lot of positive things happening locally. So I think the
challenge can be if people here are listening to the
national news without considering the difference in what's going on
(36:47):
here locally.
Speaker 6 (36:48):
Definitely, and that's where it's important to work with someone
that knows the local market and what's going on. Because
Texas overall is a very strong economy. But like we're talking,
you have all the plants, we have the refineries. It's
incredible job growth and opportunity here.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
Yeah, he was saying fifty five billion just here locally
and other more coming. So well, let's talk a little
bit about for those who are just kind of sitting
on the fence. Let's talk a little bit about the
cost of waiting.
Speaker 6 (37:20):
Yes, ma'am, so I always like to explain it to
my customers this way. Unless you are living rent free,
you're paying a mortgage.
Speaker 1 (37:28):
So to see someone's mortgage.
Speaker 6 (37:29):
Yes it might not be your mortgage, but you're paying
somebody's mortgage. So everyone needs shelter. You know, a home
provides security, a sense of community, stability, and it gives
you freedom to do whatever you want with the property.
You know, you can do a remodel without having to
ask permission. You can paint your house a different color.
So those types of things are are really nice to have,
(37:53):
but then you also have the equity side of it.
So delaying to purchase, even just by one means you're
missing out on some major equity because in a year
from now, you might pay fifteen or twenty five thousand
dollars more for the home, and while the interest rate
might be lower, you're going to be paying more for
the homeyah so and having to put more money down.
(38:15):
So it's balancing that, yes, And you're exactly right. Wealth
has grown through equity, and I do think that it's
a matter of sitting down with someone like yourself and
talking through, Okay, here's what I have, here's what I
can do, and how am I able to move forward
with a home? And I would imagine sometimes it's a
(38:36):
matter you have to say these things have to be
done first, definitely, And I really enjoy counseling some of
the first time home buyers and a lot of people,
even older adults, think oh, there's no way I could
ever buy a house, and they just they don't understand,
you know, maybe they think they have a credit issue
or they really don't, or they don't know about some
of those programs that are out there that allow people
(38:58):
to buy homes and affordable programs.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
And you guys have some of those programs right now.
You have some really amazing products, So talk a little
bit about what you guys have to offer.
Speaker 6 (39:08):
Yes, So as far as our loan products, we just
kicked off a whole series of new mortgage products. A
lot of people may not even know that First Financial
Bank has a mortgage company. So we have a great
mortgage team. Our team is growing, our mortgage base is growing.
(39:30):
We have the conventional Fannie MAE and Freddie mac loans,
the government loans FHA VA USDA. But also we're really
focused on building value in our communities and giving back.
So our newly launched products include our Community Investment Grant
and that serves some of the moderate and low income applicants.
(39:50):
So with these programs, we're able to reduce closing costs,
give them a little closing five hundred dollars closing gift
at closing of they get of a lender credit as well.
Now we have three different programs. One of them they
have to be in a certain census tract. One of
(40:11):
them they have to be under eighty percent of the
area median income, and then if they're in both, they
get even a bigger lender credit. So we have those
two programs, and then we also have one where you
don't have any income limit, but if you're buying in
a certain area, you get to take advantage of some
additional incentives as well.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
So I think that the key is to sit down
and give you all the information and then you be
able to guide them to say, Okay, these programs I
think are going to be the best for you. One
of the programs I know people are not aware of,
or a lot of people don't know, there is the
opportunity for one hundred percent conventional loan, and it does
(40:53):
there are certain qualifications, but I mean there are a
lot of properties that are in that availability and then
the what you can make is pretty good in that too.
So I mean there are some people who are like, oh,
I don't have a lot of money, but I don't
want to do faha or VA because then there are
issues sometimes with appraisals. So the wonderful thing is that
(41:16):
there is a loan that you guys have one hundred
percent conventional. Correct.
Speaker 6 (41:21):
Yeah, we have our conventional program three percent down, but
we also have the Texas down payment assistance programs that
we can combined with that to make it one hundred
percent financing. And a lot of sellers are still willing
to give you credits to help with closing costs or
a rate buydown. So although it may seem, you know,
(41:44):
like a pipe dream to own your own home because
of everything being just so outrageously expensive, you really need
to come in and talk to me and I can.
I can guide you through the process.
Speaker 1 (41:55):
I think that's the key. Just sit down with someone
that you trust, that you can be honest with. That's
going to be the key. So many people don't want
to tell you the whole story, correct, but you can't
help them until you know the whole story.
Speaker 6 (42:08):
Always communicate with your lender no matter what, especially if
you have an existing mortgage and you're falling on hard times.
The worst thing you could do is not say anything.
There's things we can we can do to help you,
and we're here to help you.
Speaker 1 (42:20):
Yeah, now, Kimberly, you are in the Lumberton office, yes, ma'am,
but you can help people across Southeast Texas.
Speaker 6 (42:27):
Yes, I sure can.
Speaker 1 (42:29):
So tell tell the audience how can they get in
contact with you?
Speaker 4 (42:33):
Sure?
Speaker 6 (42:34):
If you are in the area, stop by the Lumberton office.
I would love to meet you. Otherwise you can reach
me direct four nine two zero one five one eight seven.
My email address is k dot Piper at f FI
N dot com.
Speaker 2 (42:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (42:48):
And one of the exciting things is you are about
to be a B and I president. Yes, thank you
am So are you super excited about that?
Speaker 6 (42:57):
I am. I just took the reins last last Tuesdays,
So BE and I has been a great thing for
me here of moving here and being able to meet people,
and it's it's it's a really great organization.
Speaker 1 (43:11):
Well, and it's how you and I first connected was
that the chamber event, So you know, getting out in
the in the community is so important. And actually Lee
and Terry Potter, that's how we're connected as well, working
in the community with the chamber and Terry you're actually
about to move into a position with the foundation.
Speaker 3 (43:34):
I am. I'll be coming in as the board chair,
so to speak. So I'm looking forward to that October.
First take the reins from Zack Styles for Beaumont Chamber
Chamber found Foundation.
Speaker 1 (43:48):
So super excited. And Lee, you're on the board.
Speaker 4 (43:50):
I'm on the board and I'm in the middle of
my BBB board chair this year, so we got to
we just finished torch and yeah, it was great and
having we tell you what on BBB, We've got a
lot of things coming.
Speaker 5 (44:06):
It's going to be really cool.
Speaker 6 (44:07):
Well that was an incredible event.
Speaker 5 (44:09):
Thank you.
Speaker 6 (44:09):
That was my first year, and I mean I keep
ragging to everyone about that it was gorgeous and that
it was amazing.
Speaker 4 (44:16):
Well, thank you, thank you. The whole thing was to
celebrate businesses. That's what we tried to do.
Speaker 1 (44:20):
Well, I'll tell you I love that when we talk
to people who are in business here in Southeast Texas,
that they're connected some way in giving back. And I
know that about you guys. I know one of the
things that you just did was you gave away an
air system to someone who had been nominated for that so.
Speaker 3 (44:41):
Sweet family invitor. It's a grandmother raising all of her
grand kids.
Speaker 5 (44:46):
And got installed Thursday.
Speaker 3 (44:47):
It was very nice.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
It's there cool now, wonderful to they need it right now. Yes,
with this heat, so so exciting and appreciate you all
being here. Tell everyone again, how do they get in
touch with you, you guys if they have questions either
about the air contract. Tell me what's that called that
you do?
Speaker 3 (45:06):
A maintenance plan?
Speaker 1 (45:07):
A maintenance plan, so the maintenance plan that you do
twice a year. Also the generators or the Halo system.
How can someone contact you if they have questions about
any of that?
Speaker 3 (45:16):
They can simply call the office. The Bonement number is
four O nine eight four two twenty four zero two,
or you can call the Lumberton office four oh nine
seven five one, five thousand and one.
Speaker 1 (45:28):
And you guys have a Facebook page and all the
all the places the place, Yeah, they can find you.
So thank you so much for joining me today and
being thanks for.
Speaker 5 (45:38):
For this opportunity. We always relish this times.
Speaker 1 (45:41):
Well, it's so good because people don't know, they don't
know the people behind the names, and I think getting
them to know who you are, how long you've been
in business here. I mean this was your dad's business before.
Speaker 4 (45:51):
It was your mom and dad started it. We're in
our forty third year.
Speaker 1 (45:56):
Years, so it's good to know the people that are
behind Thank you the name, So appreciate you joining us
for that. And Kimberly, thank you so much for joining
us giving us an update on what's going on in
the mortgage world and uh once again. If someone needs
to get in contact with you, how would they do that?
Speaker 6 (46:12):
You can reach me direct at four O nine too
oh one five one eight seven, or stop by the
Lumberton office. I'd love to meet you.
Speaker 1 (46:19):
And at Lumberton branch is right there on sixty nine.
Speaker 6 (46:24):
Yep, right across from the Walmart.
Speaker 1 (46:26):
Yeah, can't miss it.
Speaker 3 (46:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (46:28):
Well, thank you guys for joining me today. If you
have any questions about real estate, don't hesitate to call
my office four oh nine eight six six eight three
two six and one of my team members will be
there to assist you. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
This is the Dana Simmons Show.
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